Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $857 in New York versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,050 in New York and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 27% higher in South Dakota. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4.2%
+0.2 pp in South Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
None
+10.9 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$857
$807
+6% in New York
Median Home Value
$152,300
$270,000
+77% in South Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$65,712
+37% in South Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.3°F
45.8°F
+2.5°F in New York
New York vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 6% below New York's $857, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York than in South Dakota?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $34,000 a year in New York versus $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or South Dakota?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax. South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in New York/South Dakota — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.